A nobleman heard that a doctor in a distant country had formulated an ointment that renders a person invulnerable. Since he often traveled through dark forests, he made his way to the inventor and purchased the ointment. Before leaving for home, he applied the ointment to every part of his body. On the path home [...]
A good educator clearly and systematically explains the concepts that he is teaching. He wants his students to thoroughly understand the reasoning behind the concept so that their minds will grasp, accept, and internalize the idea. After he has proven his wisdom and integrity to his students, he will occasionally present them with a concept [...]
One of the worst tragedies in the Torah occurs when “the spies” delivered a negative report concerning the Land of Israel, as recorded in Parshas Shelach. Their frightening description of – a land of giants; a land that consumes its inhabitants – set off panic in the hearts of the Children of Israel. Because of [...]
Our Sages tell us that as long as we are in this physical existence it’s impossible for a person to imagine the splendor of Gan Eden. Although, this is true, wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were a conceptual image to give us a glimpse of the inestimable quantum of reward? After Moshe instructed Aaron [...]
The Torah (Vayikra 25:1) instructs us to observe a continuous cycle of working the land for six years and allowing it to rest on the seventh, or Shemitah year. “Speak to the children of Israel and say to them-when you come to the land that I shall give you, the land shall observe a Shabbos [...]
The Torah states (Vayikra 10:9-11): “Do not drink intoxicating wine, when you come to the Tent of Meeting.” Included in this injunction is the law of not issuing a Torah ruling, after drinking a cup of wine (Eruvin 64a). However, it would seem that a cup of wine does not significantly alter our ability to [...]
Of all the treasures that HaShem bestowed upon us, Torah is the greatest of them all. Since the Torah is the Divine Wisdom, it would be reasonable to assume that our intention in Torah study is to become wise. Yet, our Sages, commenting on the verse (Vayikra 8:37) “This is the Torah of elevation,” explain: [...]
“Hillel said, “Do not judge others until you stand in their place.” There is a tendency in human nature to criticize others for their flaws, mistakes, and inadequacies. However, we usually are unaware of the factors that lead to their blunders. What’s more, if we had the same pressures that caused our friend to err, [...]
After the Tabernacle was completed, the Glory of HaShem covered the Tabernacle. Moshe stood outside until HaShem called to him, as per the verse (Vayikra 1:1): “He called to Moshe.” From which place did HaShem call to Moshe? The Torah reveals, “HaShem called to Moshe from the Tabernacle.” HaShem descended from the Heavenly realm and [...]
(As you enter the doorway to your home, you kiss the Mezuzah. Next, perhaps you sit at your desk and write a check to give Tzedakah. Then after you eat lunch, you say the Birchas HaMazon. During the course of the day, we perform countless Mitzvoth. What takes place when we perform a Mitzvah? When [...]
“Rabbi Yosi said, ‘Prepare yourself for Torah study, for it is not an inheritance and let all of your deeds be for the sake of Heaven.’” Each one of us desires to grow in wisdom and to achieve clarity in Torah knowledge. To this end, Rabbi Yosi offers sound advice, “Torah is not an inheritance.” [...]
“The righteous person will rejoice in HaShem and will take refuge in Him; and all the upright of heart will be proud.” The attainment of faith in HaShem, provides us with multiple benefits. Firstly, faith in HaShem fulfills a Torah precept, i.e., “Take refuge in HaShem.” In addition, it brings us tranquility and awakens true [...]
Rabbi Nachunya ben Hakana would utter a prayer before he began to study Torah: May it be Your will that I do not err in my studies, and my friends rejoice in me. And may my friends not err in their studies, and I rejoice in them. The intent of his prayer was, “May my [...]
. On Yom Kippur Moshe came down from Mount Sinai with the Second Tablets, signifying Hashem’s forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf. On the day following Yom Kippur Moshe assembled the entire nation and charged them with the building of the Tabernacle. At the conclusion of Moshe’s address-The entire assembly left Moshe’s presence [...]
. “Ben Bagbag said: Turn it and turn it – for everything is dependent upon it.” What is this great thing that everything, i.e., all success, depends upon it? It is the dedication to Torah study. We understand Torah is important because it teaches us the path of goodness. However, why didn’t the text simply [...]
